Crespelles with Kale, Prosciutto and Provolone

Crespelles, an Italian version of crepes, can be filled with anything. Add prosciutto and provolone, or a garlic and kale salad for a creative “sandwich.”

What’s a crespelle? It’s an Italian “pancake”, very similar to a crepe, that’s often either filled and rolled, or layered. These particular crespelles are the simplest form possible. There are only two ingredients: flour and water!

These thin, chewy, and crispy little pancakes are the most delicious when filled with something salty. My favorite fillings are super garlicky kale tossed with tons of parmesan and pecorino, or prosciutto and some really good provolone cheese.

The kale mixture that I stuff inside of these is a slight adaptation of my favorite kale salad in existence. I think it is complete perfection inside of the crespelles. It’s super garlicky, a little spicy, zingy from lemon juice, umami-y from the miso, and just so damn addicting!

For the prosciutto + provolone version, I like to use prosciutto di San Daniele because of its slight sweetness, but prosciutto di Parma would be fantastic as well! As for the provolone, make sure you use something really good! You don’t want the typical stuff you get from the deli that’s almost creamy. The provolone I used is an Italian DOP Provolone Piccante. It’s on the drier side, with an amazing tang and nuttiness. A little of it goes a long way.

Crespelles are an Italian version of crepes and can be stuffed, rolled or layered with a variety of ingredients. Adding the saltiness of prosciutto with provolone, or the tang of a garlic and kale salad, are two great ways to put a spin on sandwiches.

Author: Rachael Dart

Recipe Type: Primi

Serves: 8 Crespelles

Ingredients

Kale Salad

½ bunch of lacinato kale, washed and dried

2 garlic gloves, minced

juice from 1 small lemon

½ tbsp light miso paste (I like using a chickpea miso that is soy-free)

Remove the stem from the center of each leaf. If you pinch from the bottom and follow the leaf up, it should be super simple to strip the tender part off the stalk. Lay 3 to 4 stem-less leaves on top of each other at a time, roll up, and thinly slice (basically you're chiffonading the kale).

In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic, miso, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. While continuing to whisk, add in the olive oil. Add the kale to the bowl and toss with your hands. Add in the cheese and toss again. Allow to sit for 15-30 minutes prior to serving.

Crespelles

Add the sifted flour and salt to a bowl. While whisking, pour in the water and whisk until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh-sieve.

Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add in a bit of love oil, then wipe the pan down with a paper towel. Pour in ¼ cup of batter and immediately tip the pan around so it forms a thin layer. Cook for 3 minutes before flipping and cooking for another 2-3 minutes. The crespelles should be lightly golden.